supper

noun

sup·​per ˈsə-pər How to pronounce supper (audio)
1
a
: the evening meal especially when dinner is taken at midday
b
: a social affair featuring a supper
especially : an evening social especially for raising funds
a church supper
2
: the food served as a supper
eat your supper
3
: a light meal served late in the evening

Examples of supper in a Sentence

I always enjoyed our Sunday night suppers. It's almost time for supper. We took a walk after supper. I had too much wine at supper. He didn't come home for supper.
Recent Examples on the Web This cobbler uses an inspired blend of herbs and veggies to make a hearty supper. 25 Bacon-Brussels Sprout-Green Bean Casserole Your family will be glad this recipe makes a big batch so there will be plenty for everyone to get seconds. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023 Indeed, how the residents of the neighborhood lured White families to buy alongside Black ones through ingenuity, determination and potluck suppers is just one fascinating story this book tells. Deirdre Mask, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2023 In Parchment This sophisticated seafood supper is sure to wow your sweetheart. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2023 Sheet Pan Honey-Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Honey and brown sugar add layers of sweetness to this simple-yet-satisfying sheet-pan supper. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2023 While some pot roasts are perfect for a Sunday supper, this recipe makes a mean sandwich. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2023 Twirling up the table is a thoughtful way to make your guests feel celebrated and to make even the most ordinary Sunday night supper feel anything but. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2023 But the real charm of Tolkien’s saga is its focus on the Hobbits, those shy, hairy-footed halflings who would much prefer to be sitting quietly behind the round doors of their homes, enjoying a supper of mushrooms, than battling with orcs. Dan Hathaway, cleveland, 29 July 2023 Reminiscent of Mama's weeknight recipe, this supper is extra flavorful thanks to Greek and Creole seasonings in the mix and a homemade meatloaf sauce on top. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 24 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'supper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English soper, from Anglo-French super, from super to sup — more at sup

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of supper was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near supper

Cite this Entry

“Supper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supper. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

supper

noun
sup·​per ˈsəp-ər How to pronounce supper (audio)
1
a
: the evening meal especially when dinner is eaten at midday
b
: a social affair having a supper
2
: a light meal served late in the evening
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!